A journey through 14 CFR 1.1 General Definitions. Because nothing screams excitement like federal aviation regulations!
If you’ve ever cracked open an aviation regulation—just for fun, right—you’ve probably noticed a curious figure popping up again and again: “The Administrator.” No name, no face, just “The Administrator.” It sounds ominous, like a Bond villain or someone in charge of a secret government bunker stocked with clipboards and red tape.
But in the world of aviation, “The Administrator” isn’t a shadowy figure lurking in the flight levels. It’s shorthand for the head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)—a real human being (we assume) appointed to run the show. This person oversees everything from pilot certification standards, to aircraft maintenance rules, to whether your favorite snack cart is compliant with regulations. The Administrator has the final say on waivers, authorizations, and a whole buffet of regulatory decisions.
And if you’re wondering where this mysterious figure is officially defined, look no further than 14 CFR 1.1, which clarifies that:
“Administrator means the Federal Aviation Administrator or any person to whom he has delegated his authority in the matter concerned.”
Basically, it could be the FAA Administrator, or Bob in the office next door who’s been handed the right paperwork.
So, next time you’re reading a regulation that says something like, “The Administrator may revoke this certificate,” just picture a very official person in D.C. with a cup of black coffee, a stern expression, and a stack of paperwork the size of an A380.
In short, the Administrator is the FAA’s boss. Not a secret agent. Probably not a lizard person. But definitely, the reason your logbook has 19 endorsements and counting.
Fly safe and keep the Administrator happy!
Crock’s Thoughts 